People often presume that, because of the nature of what I do (you know, being a professional speaker, telling people what to do etc), that I must have it all figured out.

That would be incorrect.
Wrong.

Here’s the deal.

We never stop learning.
That includes me.
It also includes you.

Two weeks ago in Canmore AB I crashed trying out my new skis. Not a major, high speed crash, but I came down solidly on my left ribcage (on the left pec to be precise).

It hurt. A lot.
Not enough to stop me skiing the next day, but enough to make me realise the day after that that skiing the next day probably wasn’t the smartest thing I’ve ever done.

Footnote: Although not my smartest move, I’m still glad to this day I did. It was kind of like a “screw you” to the crash; the kind of thing for some reason we seem to have to do as men. Reminds me of the time I shook a friends hand despite my broken finger, and had to explain to Margo as we drove away, me nursing my hand, why it had to be done…

But I digress.

The injury was one thing, but where the problem started was that I decided that what I needed to do was just keep going about my days, as best I could, and that my ribs would just have to get better. This wasn’t easy. Actually, moving at all wasn’t easy (make that, is still not easy). Try moving about without using your arms, or legs. See.

A full week later, I agreed to see a chiropractor.
The first thing she suggested is that I set about icing it fifteen minutes on, thirsty minutes off, fifteen minutes on; three or four times a day.

The first thing I realised is that this would have been way more effective if I’d started this routine straight away; say on the day after the crash; instead of going skiing…

So, I’m on the long road to recovery (with two subluxated ribs), all too aware (again) of the awesome power of denial.

Don’t do what I did.
Take time to stop, reassess and take action.
Kind of like I’m out to teach with The Solution Revolution.

Yes, we do teach best what we most need to learn…

Instead of a resolution, I’ve got a prediction for 2012.
It’s going to be “interesting”.
What does “interesting” look like?
It depends.

I spent a lot of time this past year working with my friend Steve Satterwhite on breaking down what I know; pulling it apart in order to create a model we can all use to find solutions in situations that seem hopeless. (You’ll see more on this model when we launch www.thesolutionrevolution.com in a few months).

The model is based on three truths, three stages we need to move through in order to create something new; something better.

Acceptance.
Responsibility.
Questions.

Let’s start at the top.
Most (but certainly not all) have now accepted that a fundamental shift has occurred in the economy (it’s actually occurred in all aspects of our lives; let’s just stick with the economy for now).
Many (but again certainly not all) have also realized that we are all responsible (in some way, shape of form) for some of the changes taking place, and that we are also responsible for working our way through these changes.

And now, on the cusp of 2012, I believe we are entering the period where we begin asking questions. About everything. Where we begin to question not just the way we do business, but why we do business.

This is where interesting comes in.
If you’re creation is based purely on profits, and we don’t actually need it; I believe you’ll find 2012 “interesting”…

My questions for you:

What will “interesting” look like for you in 2012?
What will you create?
What kind of questions do you need to ask in order to create it?
What will your creation add to the world?

Here’s where Deepak Chopra comes in.
Take a few minutes to watch this interview, where Deepak gives his take on why business needs to become more than just about profits.

Enjoy!
And may 2012 be a year for creating for you!

Warren

Another how-to tip for amputees or anyone who uses a wheelchair for mobility. Winter driving can be a challenge for anyone, but for someone with a “disability” there are additional concerns we need to think about…

Would love to hear your ideas on any other how-to style videos you’d like to see. Please do post your ideas and thoughts in the comments.

On April 30th I had the amazing opportunity to tell my story in a way I hadn’t told it before, as part of The Moth; in turn part of PEN World Voices. Lot’s of people have been asking me how it went. Here’s the video…

God be with those who explore in the cause of understanding; whose search takes them far from what is familiar and comfortable and leads them into danger or terrifying loneliness.

Let us try to understand their sometimes strange or difficult ways; their confronting or unusual language; the uncommon life of their emotions, for they have been affected and shaped and changed by their struggle at the frontiers of a wild darkness, just as we may be affected, shaped and changed by the insights they bring back to us.

Bless them with strength and peace. Amen.
Michael Leunig

Two things went horribly wrong an an ice climbing trip last January, that left me looking at life once again from a different angle; a different perspective. In this video I talk about lessons learned from that experience, and how the rabbit hole goes very deep indeed…
Enjoy.

If you don’t see the video above; click HERE.

We could all use some travel tips from time to time; those of us who use some kind of mobility aid more than others. So, in the interest of sharing best practices I present the above tip on video.

Note: What I meant to say towards the end was that eventually your chair will end up on the “baggage carousal:, not the “baggage tag”… Easy to get your words mixed up when you’ve just been through an experience as unpleasant as shuffling on your backside through an airport… Shame on your Qantas; that’s the second time I’ve had to do this with you guys…

Sharing on Facebook is great; it allows us to spread ideas (like this one).
Landshare (www.landshareaustralia.com.au) takes things a step further by providing access to land we might not be using, to someone with the passion and energy to put it to good use.
Please let me know in the comments if this is something you’d like to see in your area, or perhaps something similar is already up and running.
I’d love to hear about it.

I’m often asked for advice on the tools I use to get things done; I figured I’d list them out here:

Google
As in gmail, gcal, Google Contacts, Google maps, etc, etc… What did we do before Google? Beats me, but I like how gmail has evolved as an email client to the point where I don’t use Outlook or Mail anymore. Everything I need is included, especially when you incorporate plugins like Gist and Wisestamp into the picture.

Evernote
Like an electronic bucket for your brain. Smart use of tags mean you never have to lose a piece of info again.

icontact
For handling my email list.

Elluminate
AKA The “Change Room”; my new virtual meeting place. Travelling isn’t getting any easier. Going virtual allows me to spread ideas; from anywhere…

Mobility Plus Wheelchair
Life’s too short to be slowed down by a big, clunky chair…

Virtuoso Jacket
With winter coming on strong; I’ll be relying more and more on this jacket. Disclosure: I am a brand ambassador for Outdoor Research.

Black Diamond Vipers
Speaking of sharper tools…
And winter…
I’ve tried a bunch of ice tools over the years and these are the one’s I’ve been happiest with so far.
Although I do love the look (and feel) of Margo’s Cobras…